Eliane Qualifies for Express Customs

Carrollton, TX, March 27, 2007--Eliane Ceramic Tile is the first company in the Brazilian Ceramic Tile & Stone industry to quality for “Blue Line,” a faster customs check for ceramic and porcelain tile containers sent abroad.

The “Blue Line,” or express customs, is a group of procedures awarded to companies in the Brazilian foreign commerce for special customs treatment at ports and airports registered for the program. Companies that receive this distinction incur faster customs procedures, saving time during the check of containers and therefore reducing supply costs for containers sent abroad.

The official newspaper of the union, “Diário Oficial da União,” recently published Eliane’s approval to be part of the selected group participating in the “Blue Line,” placing Eliane among 13 major factories in Brazil which have this distinction. With regards to the size of Eliane’s export business, the firm in 2006 was responsible for approximately 20 percent of the total Brazilian ceramic tile exports, shipping to more than 80 countries while generating revenues of $85 million.

To become qualified as a “Blue Line” member, Eliane completed the established requirements of the Brazilian Revenue Agency in the discipline and organization of financial, accounting and logistical departments in compliance with customs fiscal regulations.